Vietnamese Cabbage Salad with Fish Sauce and Chilies
Vietnamese Cabbage Salad, also known as “Nộm Bắp Cải,” is a delightful and refreshing dish that beautifully combines the crunch of cabbage with the vibrant flavors of fish sauce and chilies. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent option for a healthy meal or a side dish.
To make the perfect Vietnamese Cabbage Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil), chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup protein (such as cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu)
To prepare the salad, start by shredding the green cabbage and julienning the carrots. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and fresh herbs. If you’re adding protein, include it at this stage to enhance the dish's heartiness.
Next, prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sliced chilies, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. The dressing should balance the salty, sour, and spicy flavors that Vietnamese cuisine is known for.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Finally, add the crushed roasted peanuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor. This step is crucial to achieving the salad’s delightful texture.
For best results, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious. You can serve this Vietnamese Cabbage Salad as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or even as a refreshing appetizer at your next gathering.
In addition to its fantastic flavor profile, this cabbage salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s also gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting the fish sauce with soy sauce or a plant-based alternative.
Enjoy this colorful Vietnamese Cabbage Salad with Fish Sauce and Chilies as a part of your everyday meals or as a standout dish at your next culinary adventure. Its vibrant, fresh ingredients and zesty dressing are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!